Army imposes 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri following Boko Haram attack

Following the attempted invasion of Maiduguri on Wednesday night by the outlawed Boko Haram sect, the Nigeria Army on Thursday slammed a 24-hour curfew on the town.

The insurgents were engaged by the military at the outskirts of the town on Wednesday evening while pushing into the town.

Firing was heard throughout the night as the military embarked on a massive operation to push back the insurgents who were intercepted at Bale, a village in Jere local government area of the state and a few kilometres from Maiduguri.

Though the gunfire has since ceased, the army is believed to be undertaking a mop-up exercise where some areas are thoroughly searched in order to rid them of all insurgents.

In a statement on Thursday, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations in charge of 7 Division of the Nigeria Army, Col. Tukur Gusau read: "In view of the recent development within Maiduguri metropolis a 24 hour curfew is hearby imposed in the city. This is done to protect lives and property of innocent and law abiding people of Maiduguri.

"The Nigerian Army wish to once again thank you for your continuous support and cooperation. The situation is firmly under control."

Credit: Michael Olugbode/ThisDay

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